Edited by Damon Murray, Stephen Sorrell. Text and photographs by Thaddeus Zupancic.
The most comprehensive photographic document of the once-utopian London council estate buildings
The UK’s landmark Housing Act of 1919 catalyzed the rapid development of state-owned public housing in planned council estates. Construction of these estates has largely ceased since the Thatcherist austerity policies of the ’80s. Fast-forward a few decades and the estates have met various fates; some council estates are now considered notorious, while others are arguably the most desirable places to live in London. As the most comprehensive photographic document of the London council estates, this book features 275 estates from the City and every borough. A huge range of architectural styles are represented: from prefabricated and “self-built” schemes to Modernist and Brutalist designs, including over 30 protected historic buildings. There are designs from a broad range of architects, including Denys Lasdun, Erno Goldfinger, Basil Spence and many more. Kate Macintosh’s ziggurat-inspired Dawson’s Heights (1972) shares space with Chamberlin, Powell & Bon’s primary-colored tower Golden Lane Estate (1962). From the paltry to the posh, each estate possesses a fascinating history, and is emblematic of a distinct vision of urban planning. This book celebrates London council estates in all their diversity—championing the neglected alongside the distinguished, and honoring their immeasurable contribution to the social and architectural fabric of the capital.
PRAISE AND REVIEWS
Municipal Dreams
A superb photographic record... its breadth and precision are a testament to the expertise and zeal Thaddeus brings to this project.... Credit here too to FUEL, the publishers, for reproducing his colour photography in a restrained, realist palette.
Degraded Orbit
John Peck
The most comprehensive survey of its type, ranging from celebrated Modernist icons on one hand to distressed and dilapidated unknowns on the other.
FORMAT: Hbk, 8 x 6.5 in. / 304 pgs / 340 color. LIST PRICE: U.S. $34.95 LIST PRICE: CANADA $48.95 ISBN: 9781739887841 PUBLISHER: FUEL AVAILABLE: 3/5/2024 DISTRIBUTION: D.A.P. RETAILER DISC: TRADE PUBLISHING STATUS: Active AVAILABILITY: In stock TERRITORY: NA ONLY
London Estates Modernist Council Housing 1946–1981
Published by FUEL. Edited by Damon Murray, Stephen Sorrell. Text and photographs by Thaddeus Zupancic.
The most comprehensive photographic document of the once-utopian London council estate buildings
The UK’s landmark Housing Act of 1919 catalyzed the rapid development of state-owned public housing in planned council estates. Construction of these estates has largely ceased since the Thatcherist austerity policies of the ’80s. Fast-forward a few decades and the estates have met various fates; some council estates are now considered notorious, while others are arguably the most desirable places to live in London.
As the most comprehensive photographic document of the London council estates, this book features 275 estates from the City and every borough. A huge range of architectural styles are represented: from prefabricated and “self-built” schemes to Modernist and Brutalist designs, including over 30 protected historic buildings. There are designs from a broad range of architects, including Denys Lasdun, Erno Goldfinger, Basil Spence and many more. Kate Macintosh’s ziggurat-inspired Dawson’s Heights (1972) shares space with Chamberlin, Powell & Bon’s primary-colored tower Golden Lane Estate (1962). From the paltry to the posh, each estate possesses a fascinating history, and is emblematic of a distinct vision of urban planning. This book celebrates London council estates in all their diversity—championing the neglected alongside the distinguished, and honoring their immeasurable contribution to the social and architectural fabric of the capital.
